ALL-NEW GOLF GTI READY TO ROCK THE ROAD AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

At Volkswagen, the letters ‘GTI’ have stood for superior dynamic performance for over three decades now. In the tradition of previous models by the same name, Volkswagen is introducing the latest version of the Golf GTI at the Geneva International Motor Show. For the first time, the legendary compact sports car is available from the factory with two power levels: the standard 220 PS GTI and the GTI Performance with 230 PS, larger brake discs and a front limited-slip differential (VAQ).

The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) with 162 kW / 220 PS. Also available for the first time is a GTI Performance. In this version, the engine’s maximum power is boosted to 169 kW / 230 PS. Both GTI models develop a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The standard GTI accelerates to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 152 mph. The GTI Performance has a top speed of 155 mph and needs just 6.4 seconds for the sprint to 62 mph.

Both versions are equipped with a Stop/Start system and fulfil the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014. With a six-speed manual gearbox, they attain the same low fuel consumption value of 6.0 l/100 km, or 47.0 mpg (CO2: 139 g/km). This means that the latest Golf GTI offers an 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional six-speed DSG gearbox, the two GTI models achieve fuel consumption figures of 6.4 (44.1 mpg) and 6.5 l/100 km (43.5 mpg) respectively (equivalent to 148 and 149 g/km CO2).


The sporty character of the Golf GTI is reflected in its red-painted brake callipers, two chrome tailpipes and sports suspension. The exterior features 17-inch ‘Brooklyn’ alloy wheels with 225/45 size tyres (18-inch ‘Austin’ alloys will be standard in the UK), special side sills, a rear diffuser and smoked LED rear lights, along with LED numberplate illumination. UK specification will also include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Interior highlights include sports seats with the classic tartan cloth upholstery, a black rooflining and red ambience lighting. GTI drivers will also appreciate the bespoke sports steering wheel, gear lever and instrument cluster, trim strips and stainless steel pedal caps.

An optimal mix of comfort and safety will come as standard in the Golf GTI. In Germany, advance ordering for the new Golf GTI begins on 5 March, and prices start at €28,350. Volkswagen Retailers in the UK start taking orders for the new GTI on 26 March, with the first deliveries due in June. UK pricing and detailed specification are yet to be confirmed.

Source: Volkswagen

VOLKSWAGEN CELEBRATES GOLF GTI ANNIVERSARY WITH EDITION 35

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original hot hatch, Volkswagen has announced the first details of the latest special edition Golf GTI model – the Golf GTI Edition 35. With an increase in power of 25 PS over the ‘standard’ car, the Edition 35 develops 235 PS and is the most powerful production Golf GTI to date.

Since the debut of the first Golf GTI in 1976, the iconic model has enjoyed an uninterrupted history of success which now spans 35 years. During this time, the GTI has become a car with cult appeal as well as an independent brand and milestone GTI anniversaries have been celebrated with exclusive special models, and Volkswagen continues this tradition with the Edition 35.

In addition to the increase in power, the Edition 35 combines classic GTI design elements with features specially created for this latest anniversary model.

A revised front bumper is joined by lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels while, in the cabin, the golf ball gearknob makes a return. To mark out this special edition further, the ‘35’ signature appears on the front wings, sill plates, head restraints and on the centre panel of the seats.

This latest anniversary model will make its world debut at the legendary GTI event at Wörthersee in Austria at the beginning of June.

The Golf GTI Edition 35 will open for order in the UK later this year. Prices and full UK specification will be announced in due course.

Source: Volkswagen

Fans of the earlier GTI models (Mk 1 & Mk 2) should check out Veloce's iPhone app!

APP OF THE WEEK IN AUTO EXPRESS!

Veloce Publishing's third iPhone app picks up APP OF THE WEEK in today's Auto Express magazine. More apps coming very soon!



VW Golf GTi – The Essential Buyer's Guide iPhone App

Packed with good advice – from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the Golf GTi community, to will a Golf GTi fit in your garage and with your lifestyle? – the VW Golf GTi EBG is THE COMPLETE GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying the VW Golf GTi of your dreams.

AVAILABLE NOW through the iTunes App Store. Price: £2.49 UK / $3.99 US

A VW GOLF GTI EXPERT ON YOUR IPHONE!

Veloce Publishing releases its third iPhone App

VW Golf GTI - The Essential Buyer's Guide.
Available now from the App Store.
Priced at £2.49 UK / $3.99 USA.
Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch. Requires iPhone OS 3.0 or later.

STOP! Do not buy a Golf GTI without the help of this App.

Features
- Great value for money!
- Unique buyer’s guide covering VW Golf GTI's produced between 1976 and 1991 (Cabriolet 1979 to 1992).
- Many colour photographs taken especially for this guide.
- Informative text written by enthusiastic experts with the novice in mind.
- In-App videos which feature helpful voiceovers by your marque experts, Ken Cservenka and Richard Copping.
- Invaluable guide to avoiding pitfalls and getting real value for money.
- All aspects of buying a Golf GTI are covered.

Description
A unique App dedicated to VW Golf GTI's built from 1976-1992, including Mk1 Golf GTI and Mk1 GTI Campaign, Mk1 Golf Cabriolet GLI, Mk2 Golf GTI. Mk2 Golf GTI 8-valve and 16-valve, Mk2 Rallye Golf, Mk2 Golf G60. Meticulously researched with many model-specific photographs reproduced to illustrate genuinely useful and practical advice.

Written by enthusiasts, the easily readable text is informative for the first time buyer, while still being of great value to those who have already owned a Golf GTI.



While old MkI Golfs have by now largely rusted away, the availability of MkII models at giveaway prices is plentiful ... that is until three magic letters – GTI – appear on the car’s front grille and hatch. Find a good example of the MkI with the aid of this guide and you are in clover! The Buyer’s Guide carefully charts all the models that an enthusiast just has to own, from the iconic late model MkI with its pocket rocket 1.8-litre engine and 5-speed box, through to the exclusive, extremely powerful and much sought-after limited edition Rallye Golf.

Packed with good advice – from running costs, through paperwork, vital statistics, valuation and the Golf GTI community, to will a Golf GTI fit in your garage and with your lifestyle? – the VW Golf GTI Essential Buyer's Guide is THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE to choosing, assessing and buying the Golf GTI of your dreams. Buy the right Golf GTI, at the right price!

Use "VW Golf" to find the App in the App store.

PHOTOS FROM DUBS AT THE BAY WEYMOUTH

The weather was kind on the first ever Dubs at the Bay held at Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth, Dorset, yesterday. It made for a fantastic location with a turn out of some 2,500 people. Watch it grow over the coming years!

A total of £1029.75 was raised for the RNLI (Weymouth branch).

VW GOLF GTI SCALEXTRIC TRACK

Ahead of the UK launch of the new Golf GTI on May 22, Volkswagen has constructed a Scalextric track on an epic scale inside a hangar to lend armchair (or office chair) enthusiasts the chance to race the new hot hatch online and against the clock.

The 30ft by 25ft track is the work of a team of 60 modellers and features over 200 scale buildings. It forms the basis for the ‘GTI Project’, a new online game through which you can control the 1:43 scale Golf GTI as it negotiates the hairpins, straights and narrow bridges that make up the track. There’s no need to spend hours setting it up on the living room floor, no potential damage to furniture (and family pets) should you crash at high speed. Simply log onto www.gtiproject.com and you’ll be guided to the virtual workshops of the GTI Project and the track itself.

As with the real thing, too much enthusiasm leads to crashes and lost time. A delicate approach and a little perseverance lead to quick times and your chance to appear on the online global leader board, possibly resulting in universal acclaim from friends and colleagues.

Along the way you can learn more about the new Golf GTI, from its new 2.0-litre TSI engine to the advanced six-speed DSG gearbox, colours, trims and performance information. In addition you can order a brochure or even book a test drive.

Set a particularly quick time and you’ll be entered into the prize draw to stand the chance of winning the opportunity to drive a new Golf GTI for three months.
Source:Volkswagen

Don't forget about the great new Veloce Essential Buyer's Guide reviewed here in Wheelspin, the magazine of the London & Thames Valley VW Club.


Click here for more info about the book.

NOW IN STOCK! - VW GOLF GTI - THE ESSENTIAL BUYER'S GUIDE

VW Golf GTI – The Essential Buyer’s Guide reviewed in Retrocars Magazine.



New! VW Golf GTI – The Essential Buyer’s Guide by Richard Copping and Kenneth Cservenka.

Features
• Compiled by acknowledged experts - authors of Veloce publication 'VW - Golf - Five Generations of Fun'
• Built around the collectable first two generations of Golf
• Concentrates on the hot model – the GTI
• Includes the special edition Mk1 Campaign GTI
• Adds the Rallye Golf and GTIG60 to the Mk2 GTI content
• Special section on the hotter versions of the Golf Cabriolet
• Defines original engine specifications, 1600, 1800, 8-valve & 16-valve
• Predicts which later models will become collectable
• Covers customised models, larger engines and lowered suspension
• Targets would-be owners on a budget as well as the wealthier enthusiast market

Description
While old MkI Golfs have by now largely rusted away, the availability of MkII models at giveaway prices is plentiful ... that is until three magic letters – GTI – appear on the car’s front grille and hatch. Find a good example of the MkI with the aid of this guide and you are in clover! The Buyer’s Guide carefully charts all the models that an enthusiast just has to own, from the iconic late model MkI with its pocket rocket 1.8-litre engine and 5-speed box, through to the exclusive, extremely powerful and much sought-after limited edition Rallye Golf.
Click here for more info about the book.

VW Golf MK6 iMOTOR DRIVE

Another great testdrive vid from fresh digital online magazine iMOTOR.

For a story of the previous five generations of Golf – that helped make the car such an acknowledged market leader, check out the Veloce book VW Golf - Five Generations of Fun by Richard Copping. The combination of model history, coupled to hot hatch performance, all comprehensively illustrated through major photo shoots and detail pictures, make this the complete guide to the five Golf generations. With all models, including Golf spin-offs, assessed, enthusiast-driving opinions shared and marketing policy discussed, this book is a unique hot Golfology!



Forthcoming.. VW Golf GTI – The Essential Buyer’s Guide by Richard Copping and Kenneth Cservenka. While old MkI Golfs have by now largely rusted away, the availability of MkII models at giveaway prices is plentiful ... that is until three magic letters – GTI – appear on the car’s front grille and hatch. Find a good example of the MkI with the aid of this guide and you are in clover! The Buyer’s Guide carefully charts all the models that an enthusiast just has to own, from the iconic late model MkI with its pocket rocket 1.8-litre engine and 5-speed box, through to the exclusive, extremely powerful and much sought-after limited edition Rallye Golf.

Volkswagen unveils sixth generation Golf

Nearly 35 years since the original went on sale, the sixth generation of the VW Golf is unveiled. Advancements include an instantly noticeable, more sharply defined look that draws on the design direction established by the Scirocco. It also promises to be the safest, most technically advanced and dynamic Golf yet. The car will boast a new 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rail diesel engine and Volkswagen's Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC). The new Golf goes on sale January 2009.

The book VW Golf - Five Generations of Fun by Richard Copping depicts the history of the Golf prior to its brand new sixth generation model.
The combination of model history, coupled to hot hatch performance, all comprehensively illustrated through major photo shoots and detail pictures, make this the complete guide to the five Golf generations. With all models, including Golf spin-offs, assessed, enthusiast-driving opinions shared and marketing policy discussed, this book is a unique hot Golfology!

Also! Forthcoming from Veloce Publishing: VW Golf GTI – The Essential Buyer’s Guide By Richard Copping and Kenneth Cservenka.
While old MkI Golfs have by now largely rusted away, the availability of MkII models at giveaway prices is plentiful ... that is until three magic letters – GTI – appear on the car’s front grille and hatch. Find a good example of the MkI with the aid of this guide and you are in clover! The Buyer’s Guide carefully charts all the models that an enthusiast just has to own, from the iconic late model MkI with its pocket rocket 1.8-litre engine and 5-speed box, through to the exclusive, extremely powerful and much sought-after limited edition Rallye Golf.